As a practice we have been working with existing building fabric for several decades - from Grade 1 Listed architecture within Conservation Areas to more modest buildings that at first glance might not look especially promising. In the current context, it makes sense to continue with a policy of 'Retrofit First' - making use of not just the heritage and character of existing buildings, but also re-using their resources and associated embodied carbon whilst significantly improving their operational energy performance. In certain circumstances a new build can be more appropriate, and in these situations we are conscious that we are creating a new 'building life cycle'. Where possible we use these situations to contribute to an emerging language of regenerative, low carbon architecture, often using renewable plantbased materials. In this context we focus our efforts on three key areas of architectural practice:
▪ Retrofit at Work
▪ Retrofit at Home
▪ New Building Life Cycles
In all types of project, CSK Reclaim offers an additional service of sourcing and re-using vintage and secondhand products to create bespoke interiors.
RETROFIT AT WORK
For commercial projects, retrofit is most often viable for buildings with a robust structure, generous floor-to-ceiling heights and large floor plates for flexibilty. Our approach to these projects is to retain and restore any quality fabric, extend where necessary, add additional linings and finishes only where essential, and incorporate services so that they can be easily adapted and replaced. We are very experienced at complex retrofit, involving several interlinked buildings, mixed uses, phased construction etc.
RETROFIT AT HOME
Our residential projects range from light-touch interiors to 'deep retrofit' and large extensions, using forms and materials that are sympathetic to the historic fabric. We are also very
used to working within the constraints posed by Listed buildings, and in Conservation Areas, flood zones, SSSI and Green Belt.
NEW BUILDING LIFE CYCLES
Where new build is necessary, we aim to work with materials and processes that acknowledge the interconnected relationship between the building life cycle and the foundational earth systems that underpin everything we do. We continue to aspire to a whole life approach to environmental sustainability, considering both embodied carbon and operational energy, as well as addressing material systems, and the complex processes of assembly in relation to the potential for disassembly and reuse.